One of my favourite things to do when I am in New York is to walk in Central Park. It is wonderful in any season. I always try to visit the delightful Alice in Wonderland sculpture near East 74th Street.
The bronze sculpture was constructed in 1959 by Jose de Creeft under the commission of philanthropist George Delacorte in honour of his wife Margarita, who liked to read the book to her daughter.
The design for the sculpture was patterned off the original illustrations of John Tenniel that were used in the first published edition of the book. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published in 1865.
The centerpiece of the work is Alice, who is said to have the face of Creeft’s daughter, Donna.
Alice is seated on a giant mushroom, reaching toward a pocket watch held by the White Rabbit. Peering over her shoulder is the Cheshire Cat. The other figures include the Dormouse, Alice’s cat Dinah, the Mad Hatter, a caricature of George Delacorte and a few extras. The words around the edge of the sculpture are from The Jabberwocky, Mrs Delacorte’s favourite poem.
Children are invited to climb on the sculpture and thousands of hands and feet have polished the surface smooth.
Don’t miss Alice and friends if you visit New York.